Serie A Preview: Brescia Calcio – AS Roma
Brescia Flying High
Brescia were promoted to Serie A after achieving a third spot finish in the Serie B last year. This club has spent much of their history oscillating between different leagues. Brescia was relegated at the end of 2004/05 season after finishing at the 19th
spot. Brescia does not have a strong squad and are expected to struggle. Many pundits have predicted that this club would relegate once again at the end of season. However, Brescia’s form so far this season has been encouraging. The club has won two out of
three league matches including the prized scalp of a highly rated Palermo side.
Matteo Sereni has been a rock in the goal and much will be expected of him going into this fixture. Brescia signed Alessandro Diamanti from West Ham for a fee of 2.2 million Euros. The former Livorno man is a flashy forward and he will have to act as the
talisman for his team.
Leaky Roma defence a worry
On paper, AS Roma has one of the most talented squads and is expected to challenge Inter for the Serie A throne. Their form so far this season has been far from ideal as Roma sits 17th in the league with just two points from a possible nine. The
club will surely feel that those were seven points dropped rather two points earned. Roma faced Cesena, Cagliari and Bologna so far this season and should have won all three fixtures. Roma has suffered in the past against low ranked team and indeed such dropped
points have dramatically cost them the league title at the end of the season.
Claudio Ranieri needs to get his team firing on all cylinders if he is to keep his job. A few more poor results and this self proclaimed Roma fan may find himself packing his bags. Having said that, the trip to Biancoazzurri is an ideal time to get the momentum
going.
Team News
Brescia
Giuseppe Iachini has and will have selection headaches as Jonathan Zebina, Mareco, Vass, Davide Zoboli and Zambelli and all are out with injuries.
Expected Formation
Brescia is expected to line-up in a 4-3-1-2 formation. The talented Diamanti will be in the trequartista role pulling the strings. Young Brazilian Eder will line up alongside Andrea Caracciolo in the striking role. The experience of Andrea Caracciolo with
youthful exuberance of the talented Eder has the potential of making a lethal partnership. The midfield trio of Davide Baiocco, Nicolas Cordova and Simone Dallamano will have their handful dealing with the superb Roma midfield. Much will also depend on the
veteran goal keeper Sereni if Brescia is to earn any points against Roma.
Probable line-up
Matteo Sereni, Gaetano Berardi, Francesco Bega, Gilberto Martinez, Simone Dallamano, Perparim Hetemaj, Nicolas Cordova, Davide Baiocco, Alessandro Diamanti, Eder, Andrea Caracciolo
Roma
De Rossi will join Riise, Taddei, Okaka and Castellini on the treatment table. Nicolas Burdisso will sit out the match due to suspension. To make it worse, Club Captain Francesco Totti is doubtful for the fixture.
Expected Formation
Roma will line-up in a 4-3-1-2 formation. Vucinic will partner Borriello upfront. Jeremy Menez will look to impress Ranieri in the hole. Matteo Brighi is likely to replace injured De Rossi in the midfield. He will be partnered by David Pizzaro and Simone
Perrota. Julio Sergio will keep the gloves after his impressive performances of late.
Probable Line-up
Julio Sergio, Aleandro Rosi, Philipe Mexes, Juan, Marco Cassetti, Fabio Simplico, David Pizarro, Matteo Brighi, Jeremy Menez, Mirko Vucinic, Marco Borriello
Key Players
Matteo Sereni
It is highly unlikely that Brescia will go for a win even at home when playing against Roma. A point taken will be a huge achievement. Matteo Sereni must be at his best for Brescia to earn any points.
Mirko Vucinic
The Macedonian forward has all the potential to become a world class forward but his inconsistency often lets him down. He will be eager to impress the coach to cement a first team spot.
Prediction
Brescia plays at home and should be having the crowd support with them but Roma will be hungry for redemption following their poor form. Roma to win it 1-3.
Tags: